I recently took the quiz entitled “How Privileged Are You?” and received a total of 77 out of 100 points. According to societal standards and compared to those who I live amongst, I am considered quite privileged. However, I do think that this Buzzfeed failed to acknowledge certain struggles of particular groups.

After taking this quiz, I felt it was important for me to mention such adversities I have been able to overcome. The quiz mainly focused on physical and tangible attributes. I also think it is VERY important to show how sometimes, my ‘privileges’ come with certain disadvantages. The main reasoning behind this statement is the prim and proper image that I am expected to keep. I am from Westchester County, NY. Westchester is one of the most expensive U.S. counties to live in, and is famously known for its stereotypical rich, snobby, white residents. Considering the home and community I come from, everything is supposed to be ‘perfect.' The town is very small, and my family in particular is very well-known and generally liked throughout the community. We are very involved, and take pride in our home and our overall appearance. The main disadvantage of coming from such a small town is how fast news travels. The smallest of gossip spreads like wildfire and becomes the talk of the town within hours. If a scandal such as a father’s drinking were to be told to anyone outside of one’s home, the family would be looked at very differently. Neighbors would feel uncomfortable coming over, and the family would be ostracized from community events. Something as serious as a father abusing his children is something that is usually ‘hushed’ and silenced by a community like ours. A common misconception is that physical abuse and molestation only occurs in low income, minority families. A wealthy, Caucasian town like ours isn’t supposed to have any imperfections. This is why most sources for help (such as victim shelters and hotlines) are geared towards low income families. In school growing up, we never had any education about molestation or any type of abuse. Most resources are projected towards minority children, so such resources were not openly expressed in our elementary schools. The society in which I grew up taught me to conceal my issues, and that things that happened behind closed doors were not to be talked about. Most of the fathers in this town are wealthy, influential men- so gossip of things such as drinking and abusive behaviors would be quite scandalous. If anyone were to fall victim to such silent terrors, they would feel as if resources such as shelters have negative stereotypes. Everyone assumes that the only people who stay there were of minority groups. I am certain that children of wealthier families suffer from abuse as well. However, they have less resources available for them because they are taught to uphold their family's perfect image. I am very privileged to have grown up the way I did. However, I wish people would not just assume that because of my privileges, my life is perfect. Despite what most people think, I have been through several events in my life that have helped me grow into a mature individual.